1- Question:
Will pumping sludge into Geotube^® bags and leaving it to dry on company or municipal land cause odor problems?

Answer:
The sludge emits no odor during either extraction or disposal. When a bag is opened, there is sometimes a slight smell of black earth.

2- Question:
Does the process consume a lot of energy?

Answer:
Very little. Dredging is the only step that requires electrical power, and it takes only a few days. Dewatering is not mechanized and requires no energy.

3- Question:
What are the advantages of using the Geotube^® solution to dredge and dewater sludge?

Answer:
Click here for the answer:

4- Question:
What information do I have to provide to get a budget estimate?

Answer:
Here is a list of the information required to assess your needs: 

For a cost estimate for a future sludge drawing project, click here to send us all the required information. We’ll process your request right away.

5- Question:
Once the contract is signed, how long will the project take to complete?

Answer:
Project completion times vary according to the type, volume, and dryness of the sludge and the hours during which the site can be accessed. Once we have inspected your facility and taken a sample, we’ll be able to give you a better idea. 

6- Question:
What are the bags made of and how big are they?

Answer:
The bags come in different sizes. Some are standard, and others are made to order. Bag dimensions are determined according to the dryness and volume of the sludge and the space available to store it.

Geotube^® bags are made of polypropylene. Their unique and complex weaving pattern lets water seep out while keeping rain from leaking in.

Answer:
The dewatering process begins the moment the sludge is placed in the Geotube^® bag. Once the pumping stage is complete, i.e., when the bag is full or the predetermined volume is reached, we remove our equipment from the site, and dewatering happens on its own. A freezing-thawing cycle is required for the process to reach its full potential.

8- Question:
Does all the sludge have to be removed from the pond at the same time?

Answer:
No. In fact, it’s impossible to dredge all the sludge from a pond at once because ponds usually have aerators that must be protected from damage. We therefore don’t dredge areas near the aerators, which leaves deposits. It’s also a good idea to leave some sludge behind because it helps maintain the bacteria that makes your pond effective.

9- Question:
Can more sludge be pumped into a bag that is already on the site after the freezing-thawing cycle?

Answer:
Yes. The freezing-thawing cycle makes the sludge more compact, reducing its volume by up to 50%. That free space can be filled with more sludge.

Initially, the features of the Geotube^® bags allow you to comply with the regulations set out by Ministère du Développement durable, de l’Environnement et des Parcs. Subsequently, you can draw more sludge, improving your pond’s performance for years to come.

10- Question:
What happens to bags once they’ve been opened and emptied?

Answer:
Clients have a few options:

11- Question:
What are the disposal options for the sludge?

Answer:
Depending on the type of sludge, the following options may be available:

12- Question:
Who is responsible for disposal?

Answer:
Terratube offers sludge disposal services, and a number of convenient options are available. If you prefer, you can take care of that part of the process yourself.